FOLIO STAFF:
JOHN PHILLIPS President
TERESA SPENCER General Manager
KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer
AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director
CARMEN MACRI Multi-media Creative/ Social Media Manager/ Lead Writer
SHELTON HULL Writer
AMIYAH GOLDEN Writer/Photographer
KAILI COCHRAN Writer/Designer
JOSHUA WALKER Writer
WAVERLY LOYD Contributor
Subject: FOLIO 3-19-25: Jacksonville, The Birthplace of Southern Rock and similar stories
Team,
I truly enjoyed reading FOLIO (3-19-25). The stories served as a great, though incomplete, reminder of Jacksonville’s role in the development of rock-and-roll and similar genres of music. Note the word, “incomplete.” When discussing Jacksonville’s rock-and-roll roots, please at least mention that the Classics Four was a true rock-and-roll, pop, and soft rock music pioneer in Jacksonville. Not only did this Jacksonville band predate the bands you wrote about, originating in Jacksonville in 1965, they had three hits, “Spooky” (#3 in the Top 100 in 1967), “Stormy” (#3 in 1968), and “Traces” (#2 in 1969) before the Allman Brothers Band even began performing.
The band broke up in 1970 and the remaining two members combined with Atlanta’s The Candymen (or the Candy Men) to form the Atlanta Rhythm Section, another Southern Rock with roots in Jacksonville.
Today, a version of the Classics IV still performs, though with none of the original members.
Dennis Yost, drummer, vocalist, and the band’s leader, died in 2008.
V/R, Mike Reagan
BOUQS & BRICKS
BOUQUETS BRICKBATS
To Alhambra Theatre & Dining for earning the title of No. 1 Dinner Theatre in the country from USA TODAY . This local legend continues to serve up Broadway-caliber performances with a side of prime rib—and now, national recognition. Here’s to dinner and a show done right.
To the Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards team, a powerhouse of volunteer educators, artists, and administrators who quietly orchestrate one of the most impactful youth arts programs in the region. Thanks to their dedication, student artists across eight counties are thriving — and this year, Northeast Florida students brought home major wins at the 2025 national competition. That’s how you build a creative future.
To Jacksonville University for its decision to gut the arts and music departments. Eliminating 22 specialized programs and laying off 40 faculty members isn’t innovation — it’s institutional vandalism. In a city trying to build cultural capital, cutting the arts is not just a loss — it’s a betrayal of everything higher education is supposed to stand for.
HOROSCOPES
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
The Moon’s clashing with Mars, and your fuse is shorter than usual. You’re itching for action, but impulsive moves could blow back fast. Pause before you launch — especially in texts or traffic. Not every battle is worth your fire.
You can keep hitting snooze on the alarm you’ve set, Taurus, but that won’t stop time. It’s your season, after all — why would you want to sleep through it? With the New Moon in Taurus on May 7 and Mercury finally leaving its retrograde shadow, the fog starts to lift. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of feeling lost or directionless, now’s the moment to root down, recalibrate and actually do the thing. The stars are handing you the reins — don’t just ride the bull; be the bull.
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI
The waxing Moon in your third house turns your thoughts into a rapid-fire monologue. Everyone wants a piece of your mind, but choose your words wisely — your wit cuts deeper than you think right now. Let curiosity lead, not chaos. Double-check what you’re agreeing to.
CANCER
Sure, you’ve got that tough shell, Cancer — but everyone knows you’re basically a poet in a hoodie. This May, the cosmos are tossing you a life raft made of boundaries. Don’t mistake emotional availability for emotional overexposure. With the full moon in Sagittarius on May 23 lighting up your mental sector, it’s time to choose your peace over people-pleasing.
LEO
With the Moon spotlighting your public image, your vibe is front and center — whether you’re ready or not. Confidence sells, but ego repels, so tread that line like it’s a runway. Someone’s watching how you handle pressure. Make it look easy, even if it’s not.
VIRGO
You love a to-do list, Virgo, but when was the last time you were on it? May asks you to zoom out — because while routine keeps the wheels turning, purpose fuels the ride. The Taurus new moon on May 7 invites you to plant seeds that mean something, not just check boxes. And when Jupiter teams up with your fellow earth sign mid-month, the universe is nudging you to turn productivity into passion. You’re not just here to keep things running — you’re here to make them matter.
The New Moon is nesting in your introspection zone, making you crave quiet over conversation. You’re usually the peacekeeper, but today? You might need to keep the peace with yourself first. Boundaries aren’t rude; they’re sacred. Disappear if you must — balance begins within.
The Moon is digging into your emotional closet, and surprise — there’s still some stuff under the rug. If an old hurt flares up, it’s asking to be dealt with, not dodged. Sit with it before you sting back. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting, just softening the edge.
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius
Cupid’s aiming at your reflection this month, Sagittarius—and for once, it’s not about chasing the next big thrill but romancing the person in the mirror. The new moon on May 7 encourages a fresh start in your daily routines — think less burnout, more bubble baths. The full moon lights up your sign on May 23, the perfect time to honor your own needs rather than those around you.
Capricorn
Partnerships are lit up under the New Moon, and it’s crystal clear who’s showing up — and who’s just showing off. You’ve got high standards for a reason. Speak your truth without sugarcoating it; maturity doesn’t mean silence. If it’s not mutual, it’s not sustainable.
Aquarius
Pisces
Work pays the bills, but art and creative expression feed your soul, Aquarius. This May, with Venus entering Gemini on May 24 and a full moon in fellow free-thinker Sagittarius on May 23, you’ll feel an irresistible urge to create — not just art, but connection, style and presence. Whether it’s a paintbrush, a playlist or a perfectly timed one-liner, your self-expression is craving a bold new outlet. May starts off strong for you, Pisces, with Uranus syncing up with the North Node on May 2 — bringing a surprising new character into your story. Think: an Uber driver with a wild story, a bartender with sage advice or someone familiar who suddenly shows a whole new side. The universe is nudging you to be social this month because every interaction has the potential to shift your perspective. Stay curious — your next big lesson might come from the most unexpected source.
SPECIAL EVENTS
MAY 2-4
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Centre Street, Fernandina Beach shrimpfestival.com
MAY 3
Jacksonville Health & Lifestyle Festival The Ford on Bay jaxhealthfest.com
City Wide High School Prom Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
MAY 4
Derby en Rosé The Yards, Palm Valley eventbrite.com
Florida Bridal & Wedding Expo
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center flbridalshows-pf.com
MAY 9-10
St. Augustine HIstory Festival Fort Mose Historical State Park staugustinehistoryfestival.com
MAY 10
RAP Yarden Tour
HIstoric RIverside Avondale riversideavondale.org
FinFest 2025 Benefiting Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Timuquana Country Club shcjax.org
Vitalize Show: A Showcase of The Arts Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
MAY 17
Florida Theatre Ball: ’90s Style Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Project Nunway Kickbacks Gastropub fcsisters.org
Jax Fashion Runway Show Karpeles Grand eventbrite.com
MAY 17-18
Arlington Gardens & More Tour & Symposium Jacksonville University oldarlington.org
MAY 29
“Untold Stories: Trail” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MAY 3
Jacksonville Sharks vs. Iowa Barnstormers Veterans Memorial Arena jaxsharks.com
Jacksonville 95ers vs. Raleigh Firebirds First Coast High School jax95erstickets.com
Hula Hustle 5K Best Bet, Orange Park 1stplacesports.com
MAY 6-11
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Syracuse Mets VyStar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
MAY 10
DONNA Mother’s Day 5K
Friday Musicale 1stplacesports.com
Florida Avengers vs. Mississippi Panthers
Edward Waters University floridaavengers.com
MAY 15
MAY 20-25
Vy Star Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
MAY 24
MAY 26
Memorial Day 5K Run Town Hall Park, Orange Park 1stplacesports.com
MAY 31
BKB 41 Brawl in Duval II Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center jaxevents.com
Kindness Matters 5 K and Fun Run
Joes Crab Shack 1stplacesports.com
Photo
Words by Kaili Cochran
Ways to Celebrate Moms in May
Moms have a way of working their magic, making what they do seem effortless. Whether it’s the breakfast that’s already made when you wake up in the morning or somehow always having clean clothes. When we were younger, we didn’t really think about it, it all just seemed to get done. But once we grow up and do things on our own, we realize how much love and effort went into all of those little things.
Mother’s Day doesn’t just have to be a celebration of your mom, this can be any loved one who has played a similar role in your life such as a stepmom, grandmother or someone who’s always been a motherly figure for you.
I have compiled a few events and plans to take advantage during Mother’s Day this year, no matter what time of day you’re celebrating.
Early Birds…
If you’re looking to start the day together in the morning, there are several breakfast spots throughout the city, such as Metro Diner or Charlie’s Diner, and you can’t go wrong with pancakes and coffee. Or if you’re looking for a more active start to your day, try booking a yoga or Pilates class together.
During The Day…
For the afternoon, consider grabbing lunch at a spot she loves. If you want to switch things up, look into activities like painting classes or spa treatments. Painting With A Twist offers follow-along painting sessions and will be holding Mother’s Day classes from May 10 through May 12. If you’re interested in a spa day, One Ocean Resort is offering a Mother’s Day package called “Queen for a Day,” which includes a 50-minute massage or facial.
Evening Plans…
End your day with some laughs by going to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, as they’ll be hosting a comedy show at 7 p.m. in the Terry Theater. Tickets are on sale now. If staying home is more your vibe, try buying her favorite dessert and watching a movie or a show.
And of course, if you’re planning a surprise gift, you can’t go wrong with the classics: a bouquet and a handwritten card. Bonus points if you throw in some chocolates! At the end of the day, it’s not about doing the most but rather making her feel seen and appreciated.
Words by Ambar Ramirez
SAVING FLORIDA'S CITRUS GROVES
Long before Disney and beach resorts, Florida’s golden reputation came from something simpler, sweeter and stickier: citrus. For generations, oranges, grapefruits and lemons defined the state’s economy and spirit. Today, Florida’s citrus groves are dwindling — and with them, a major part of the state’s soul. Amid growing threats, nonprofit Saving Florida’s Citrus Groves has emerged as a grassroots force determined to rescue what’s left before it’s too late.
“When I founded the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, Inc., I had one thing on my mind at the time and that was to save the legacy of the Florida orange and the beautiful, fragrant groves they are cultivated in. There is no other nonprofit that served this purpose in terms of advocating with facts for struggling small, family-owned citrus farms, providing economic grants through donations, or organizing volunteers,” share Adrian Boyce, founder and president of Save Florida Citrus Groves Inc. “Due to the fact that state organizations are doing the opposite to help the backbone of Florida’s citrus industry, I took it upon myself and did extensive legal research and investigations. I discovered that all of the very organizations (Florida Department of Citrus, Florida Citrus Commission, and Florida Citrus Mutual) that were originally formed and tasked with the very notion of helping small citrus farmers were, in fact, not at all helping small citrus growers. Their main focus has been and continues to be on large producers.”
Growing up in the Sunshine State, you’d think my childhood would be filled with memories of running through citrus groves, picking oranges straight from the trees, visiting family farms. But the only memory I have is of a single lemon tree that grew in the middle of a cracked concrete parking lot outside my grandma’s apartment. Most weekends, we’d visit her, grab a basket, and pick lemons when they were ripe and heavy with bloom in the spring and summer. Then one day, the tree was gone — and just like that, the memories tied to it disappeared too. It’s a small thing, I know. But on a much larger scale, the story isn’t all that different to what’s happening to groves across the state.
Bryce shared that there are numerous legal complexities surrounding these situations, but the simplest way to explain it is that funds often fail to reach their intended allocations, and a trifecta class action lawsuit would be a fitting course of action.
According to legal advisers, if small citrus farmers were to file such a lawsuit, they would have only about a 10% chance of losing, given the strong, documented claims against all three entities involved. This reality points directly to leadership as the root cause of Florida’s citrus industry’s decline.
Experts argue that citrus greening, while damaging, is not the primary factor. The disease, spread by an insect first identified in 1929, did not significantly impact Florida’s groves until 2005. This timing coincides with the U.S. housing boom, which peaked in 2006, followed by a deep recession in 2009.
Since citrus greening can kill a tree within a few years, the resulting vacant land created opportunities during the housing boom.
“I do find that odd. But here we are in 2025 and look at all these shiny new real estate deals replacing citrus groves that have been sold because they can no longer afford to operate them,” Bryce added. “The industry as a whole has changed; fresh orange juice isn’t nearly advertised as it once was. But the Florida Department of Citrus spends millions on international marketing of orange juice for the state’s biggest producers (i.e. Tropicana/Alico). Where has that gotten them? Not very far. Florida orange juice is homegrown — literally. Why aren’t we marketing it to Americans that way? It worked during the 1950s, and it would work now. The marketing needs to be tweaked to reflect our new generation of beverages. The possibilities really are endless. Especially when you have a budget of millions to work with and no oversight on how it’s spent. But that’s likely why we are where we are.”
The smaller, family-owned citrus groves and farmers are getting hit the hardest.
While the Florida Department of Citrus keeps collecting state-allocated funds and tax dollars on their behalf, what they don’t mention is that Tropicana executives sit on the Florida Citrus Commission’s (FCC) board — and not a single small citrus grower does. It makes it a whole lot harder for the little guys to raise money, while the big players just have to spin around in their office chairs and ask for more.
“Unfortunately, these state-allocated funds and tax dollars, nor do the contributions and donations to board members and lawmakers received, ever trickle down to the small, family-owned citrus groves that are begging the state for help. These citrus farmers pay a “box tax” and membership dues only to be underrepresented or not represented at all,” Bryce explained. “Without these legendary groves and the small growers that maintain them, Floridians will have lost a piece of history forever. And this is history that cannot be replaced. This is exactly what we want to advocate for and what we are striving to reverse,” he said.
And, of course, there’s more happening beneath the surface. It’s not just the supposed lack of money taking out these groves or the fact that they’re being replaced by more homes and endless concrete, that should worry people.
It’s the way these big corporations and citrus commission boards are pretending not to know — or maybe just don’t care — about the role these citrus farms play in helping to mitigate climate change.
“While many associate citrus groves with oranges and juice, their economic impact extends far beyond direct fruit sales. Most people don’t realize that Florida’s citrus groves act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and helping mitigate climate change. These groves can act as ecological corridors in Florida’s increasingly fragmented landscapes,” Bryce shared. “ The loss of citrus groves would cripple rural economies and the collapse of citrus would disrupt related industries. Small, family-owned groves, which are our main focus, are vital in these areas. Without targeted support, their disappearance would erode local spending, causing businesses like grocery stores and mechanic shops to shutter. The disappearance of citrus groves would dismantle rural Florida’s cultural identity. Without local citrus, Florida would rely on imports from Brazil or Mexico, which is the direction we’re headed.”
While Save Florida Citrus Groves Inc. centers a lot of its research on getting to the root of the problem, they’re still a non-profit that relies on volunteers to make a difference. The Gift-a-Grove initiative is just one way to get involved with this organization. If you own a citrus grove in Florida and want an easy way to donate it — while also receiving tax benefits and removing the burden of upkeep — you can gift it to the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation through their Gift-A-Grove Initiative. This ensures your grove will be protected and restored, rather than lost forever to commercial or residential development.
“Visit us online at savefloridacitrus.org. Here, you can sign-up to become a volunteer, contribute so that we can continue to issue grants to small citrus farmers, and maybe, most importantly, take the time to read the fact-based articles on our site to get the full picture of Florida’s citrus industry. You’ll be quite surprised by what you discover,” Bryce said. “The truth is that the Florida Department of Citrus, Florida Citrus Commission and Florida Citrus Mutual, have all failed at their mission by choosing large donations, excessive lobbying and cronyism over helping the very families who boosted Florida’s citrus industry in the first place.”
ETC.
* all games are general knowledge unless stated otherwise
MONDAYS
• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m
• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.
• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.
• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–River City/ Northside, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.
• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.
• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.
TUESDAYS
• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• The Back 40, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.
• Gator’s Dockside–Oakleaf, (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Bartram, 7 p.m.
• Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.
• Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood, 7 p.m.
• My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.
• Players Grille, 7 p.m.
• Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.
• Southern Grill, 7 p.m.
• Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.
• Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
• Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.
• Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
• Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.
• The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.
• Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.
• Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.
• Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.
• Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Town Center (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m
• Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.
• Root Down (music trivia), 9 p.m.
THURSDAYS
• Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– Nocatee (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Justice Pub (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Southside (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.
• The Stout Snug, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Brooklyn (’80s, ’90s & 2000s), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– St. Aug, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–San Marco, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 8 p.m.
FRIDAYS
• Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 6 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.
• Engine 15 Brewing, 7 p.m.
• MVP’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
• Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo (pop culture), 7p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
MONTHLY MOVIE WRAP-UP
Here are all the movies I watched in April.
Enjoy :)
“The Alto Knights” (2025)
A crime-drama set in New York City where Frank Costello and Veto Genovese (both played by Robert De Niro) are rival mafia bosses both vying for control of the streets. If I could describe this movie in one word it would be: geriatric. I swear they only let those 70 and up work on this film. I aged at least 15 years just watching this snooze fest.
This film is dialogue driven which can make for a thought-provoking movie and be very interesting. This, however, is not that. There was nothing interesting about this movie, and I somehow never understood what was going on — because nothing ever happens.
I fell asleep twice and literally had to put my phone two seats over, (there was hardly anyone in the theater,) just so I would stay off of it. I’m disappointed with how dull this movie was because the trailers made it seem like it would be awesome. Especially with De Niro playing the two main characters. Now I’m convinced they had him play both characters because they couldn’t afford to hire another actor.
“Adolescence” (2025)
Though not a movie, but a limited series on Netflix, this show was impactful enough that I had to write about it for this month’s issue. Watching this soon after “Alto Knights” and realizing early on this was going to be a dialogue-driven show, I almost turned it off. Thank GOD I didn’t. This show was phenomenal. It was powerful and raw and introspective. To watch a family’s love and loss. The ways in which they endure and fall apart. The despair of realizing a child who you raised and loved so much, could do something so terrible — and seeing it as a reflection of how much you failed. The depth of this show took days for me to fully process and is truly such an important statement about youth and social media and the damage it is doing.
Jamie is a 13-year-old boy accused of killing his classmate, and everyone wants to know why he did it. I think the scariest thing about this show is how realistic it is and how these things do happen. Social media is destroying the minds of children. Cyberbullying is something that is fairly new to our society and is something that we are learning how to deal with case by case. Older generations, who didn’t grow up with social media, see the “simple” solution of just closing the app. They really can’t empathize with how suffocating and intimate social media is for younger generations.
This show brings attention to the new label of incels (“involuntary celibate”) and how it is raising young boys to essentially hate women but also teaching young girls to hate men as well.
The acting… It is mind blowing to think that this is Owen Cooper’s first role. This kid has Oscars in his future without a doubt. To portray such a volatile and angry, psychopathic teen in such a raw way was stunning. Episode three still haunts me to think about. The conversations had between Jamie (Cooper) and his psychologist were some of the most chilling moments in the entire series.
Each episode was filmed all in one take, making the watching experience that much more intimate and tangible. Everything from the sound design, camera angles and impeccable acting truly made this show feel as authentic as possible. And the final scene with Jamie’s father (played by Eddie Miller) is agonizing to watch. Him tucking his son’s stuffed teddy into bed because he will never be able to tuck his son in again is heart-rending. Truly such a complex show with many important themes that are crucial to talk about.
The most valid crash-out ever.
“John Wick” (2014)
“Death of A Unicorn” (2025)
Before I saw this, my friend called me after leaving the theater and said this was one of the worst movies she’s ever seen and that she needed me to go watch it and review it for “Folio.” So, that’s what I did. And I f*cking LOVED this movie.
A father and daughter are on the way to stay on his billionaire boss’ estate with the hopes that he will be promoted, thus financially securing his daughter’s future. On the way to this up-scale nature preserve, they hit a unicorn. Thinking it’s dead, the father (played by Paul Rudd) decides to put the animal in the trunk of their car, and later that night after everyone has gone to sleep, he would go bury it. However, he is unaware of the healing properties of unicorns, and he and his daughter, as well as his boss’ family, will all soon discover how vengeful unicorns can be.
This movie is a mockery of classism and how the 1% might pose as humble people but when given the choice will only protect themselves. Once the boss discovers the unicorn horn can cure all illnesses, he and his family begin to plan on how to profit off this and how it is a limited resource that they will only share with their other rich friends.
This movie was so fun and wacky and ridiculous. With such an outrageous plot, definitely worth the watch.
“Trap” (2024)
A serial killer takes his teen daughter to see her dream idol in concert and realizes the entire event is a complex sting operation to catch him, and now he must figure out how to escape without being caught.
Is this movie an hour and a half-long concert of M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter promoting her new album? Yes. But Josh Harnett gave a chilling and, I must confess, SEXY performance, that adds enough spice to keep the movie enjoyable.
“Smile 2” (2024)
I love chainmail horror: “The Ring,” “Drag Me to Hell,” “It Follows.” Some of my favorite horror movie tropes. Bonus points if the character thinks they have finally defeated the cycle, and then abruptly dies and the screen cuts to black and ends. Top tier.
This was so good. It was scary and gory as well as smart and deceptive. “Smile 2” persistently blurs the lines between nightmare and reality that keep the viewer just as disoriented as our main character, Skye Riley. And the ending was freaking awesome; I do not care what anyone says.
“The Amateur” (2025)
Heller, a CIA hacker, takes the law into his own hands when he finds out his wife was killed by a terrorist group, and his superiors don’t find her important enough to take action against her killers. Heller then begins his destructive and relentless pursuit to kill every man who was there the day of his wife’s murder.
This was clever and satisfying. Another of my favorite tropes is revenge. “Man On Fire,” “Law Abiding Citizen” and “John Wick,” just to name a few. This movie doesn’t quite stand as tall as those but was still a good watch, nonetheless.
“Warfare” (2025)
Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland took such a small space and made it feel infinite and suffocating, as if the world ended and began with this room, this house, this street.
Sound design is a crazy thing. The complex use of audio in this film creates an atmosphere that is as raw as it is overwhelming. While movie scores serve to enhance a scene, the removal of them, if done properly can produce something even more profound and gripping. And the directors nailed it. In scenes where bombs were going off and gunfire erupting all around, usually there would be some kind of musical score to emphasize the danger of the situation and instill more fear within the viewer. However, Mendoza and Garland managed to cause such a drastic audiovisual assault on the senses with gunfire and men screaming, and then the disorienting effects of temporary hearing loss from after shock.
This is a must-see in theaters so you can truly experience the intensity of it.
“Aggro Dr1ft” (2023)
Directed by Harmony Korine, we are taken through the underbelly of Miami as Bo, a hitman, is hunting down his next target.
This movie was shot entirely with infrared thermal imaging cameras which makes this movie feel more like playing Call of Duty.
The premise of this movie, and its original filming process create for an intriguing watch. That is, until the first 10 minutes pass and you are bored and tired of looking at scenes that look more like a Rorschach test than anything comprehensible. This is one of the more passionless films I’ve seen and goes to show that just because you have the money to do it, doesn’t mean you should. With the infrared cameras and AI overlays, as well as the synth music with rarely any dialogue, this movie is a waste of time. And Harmony is so high off his own crack that the only way to watch this is by purchasing it off of his website affectionately named Edglrd.
Like an hour and a half music video with no lyrics, just Travis Scott instrumentals and BBL baddies twerking.
“Spree” (2020)
A rideshare driver, Kurtis Kunkle, (played by Joe Keery) desperately seeks online fame. After spending months making content on various platforms and rarely reaching double- digit views, he begins live-streaming his rides where he begins to poison the people he picks up, at random. He finally starts getting more and more views and has discovered what will make him stand out amongst other content creators: murder. And he will take out anyone in his way. His murders become bolder and bolder, more personal.
Self-filmed, “vlog” style movies aren’t usually my cup of tea, and this wasn’t that great, but Keery played that incel-pewdiepie-wannabe-loser a little too well... Kurtis’ greasy hair and oily skin, coupled with mouth-breathing and a red ring Gatorade stain on his lip make him into one of the worst kind of guys imaginable. This movie is filmed as if the whole thing is multiple different live streams and vlogs. All shots are taken as if self-filmed or with GoPros or other various vlogging cameras. Even when it switches to a totally different character without Kurtis on screen, the shot is still filmed through someone else’s live stream. It was clearly making a joke of social media and influencers and was a decent funny gore horror.
THROUGH MAY 4
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” Theatre Jacksonville theatrejax.com
“How to $ucceed in Business Without Really Trying”
Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fernandina Beach ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
MAY 2
“Our Town” St. Francis-in-the-Field, St. Augustine apextheatrejax.com
MAY 2-11
“The Foreigner” Center for Spiritual Healing, St. Augustine aclassictheatre.org
MAY 3
“Our Town” Adele Grage Community Center apextheatrejax.com
MAY 4
Illusionist Rick Thomas Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
“Our Town” Apex Theatre Studio apextheatrejax.com
MAY 5
“The Everly Brothers Experience” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
THROUGH MAY 11
“Beautiful: The Carole King Story” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
MAY 9-10
John Manzari & Luther S. Allison
Amelia Community Theatre ameliaislanddancefestival.org
MAY 9-25
“One Stoplight Town” Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org
“Fly by Night”
Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org
MAY 10
Jacksonville Dance Theatre: Weave Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MAY 11
Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MAY 14
“Hadestown” Teen Edition
The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
MAY 15-JUNE 22
“My Fair Lady” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
MAY 16-27
“Florida Man: Southern Rock Revue”
Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
MAY 16-18
“Waitress” Location TBA playersbythesea.org
MAY 17
“Rapunzel”
Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College flagler.edu
MAY 18
Art Of Poetry: The Playground
Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com
MAY 22-JUNE 1
“Hamlet”
The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
MAY 24
“Broadway Blockbusters” Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com
Words by Kaili Cochran
SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON
We’ve all heard the phrase “save the turtles.” It’s been an echoing phrase for over a decade now after a video of a marine biologist pulling a 12 cm long plastic straw from a turtle’s nostril went viral and brought awareness to plastic and pollution in our oceans.
But I’m not here to repeat the message about ditching plastic straws as, chances are, you’ve already heard that loud and clear. I want to focus on something just as important, especially with turtle nesting season right around the corner: how to protect local sea turtles on our beaches.
Between May 1 and Oct. 31, Jacksonville beaches are nesting grounds for loggerheads, greens, and leatherback turtles and their survival is increasingly impacted by human activity.
To learn how to make a difference, I spoke with Kevin Brown, the field supervisor for Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. With over a decade of experience protecting turtles, he identified 3 key practices to keep our beaches safer: keep them clean, dark, and flat.
Clean: “We see a lot of people who will come down and literally leave, you know, a chair or tent breaks and they leave it. So now you have this aluminum frame and there have been turtles that have gotten stuck in that,” Brown said.
Litter and abandoned beach gear can physically trap and prevent both nesting females and their emerging hatchlings that are making their way to the ocean. It is important to take everything back with you or bring broken gear and trash to the receptacles to be disposed of properly.
Dark: “We’ve got all three beaches to have a light ordinance. It’s hard to police and enforce it because of seasonal rentals. We do our best to keep some readable stuff in these rentals and the hotels but you just get people that aren’t from here, and they will leave a balcony light on or if they’re in a rental then they’ll leave a flood light on,” Brown said.
Sea turtles typically nest at night, relying on natural moonlight to navigate. When bright light from homes, hotels or even the casual beach goer interferes then sea turtles can become disoriented or even wander in the wrong direction.
Flat : “If I had to pinpoint something, it would be holes. I mean, you just got to bury your holes. If you do this sand sculpture or you do a big sand castle, do it below the high tide line. Or, you know, knock it down when you leave, because all those things can be disruptive to either a nesting female or an emerging hatchling,” Brown said.
Large holes and sandcastles can be dangerous as they can get in the way of a nesting turtle or hatchlings can find themselves trapped.
Brown believes the issue is rooted in unawareness from those who don’t live near the beach or from travelers who don’t know the impact of leaving lights on or gear behind.
Fortunately, Jacksonville has a strong beach culture with locals who not only follow these key practices but will often beat the patrol team to sightings by reporting early morning turtle activity.
“Anthropogenic” is a term used to describe the human effects on an environment. One of these effects is known as a “false crawl.” When a female turtle comes to the nest, but leaves without laying eggs, often due to disturbance. Although the exact cause isn’t always seen, human presence is a common factor.
“Even I can do better,” Brown said. “We can always do better.”
With summer approaching fast, remember to think clean, dark and flat the next time you go to the beach as it can be a life-changing difference for sea turtles and their habitat.
Why Don’t You Make Me?
Words by Carmen Macri
The Pinz are back, antagonizing the punk scene.
What does punk mean to you? Is it the clothes, the slang, the hair, the music? For Walter Clough, punk isn’t about the look — it’s about the attitude. It’s about flipping the bird to conformity, even when it’s coming from inside his own scene. And that mindset started the rise, the fall and the rise again of The Pinz
From a young age, Clough knew exactly who he was: an antagonizer. Fitting in was never the goal, and following the rules — hell, even the law — was more of a suggestion than a mandate. He looks back on the days he’d ditch school to cruise around in his buddy’s ’50s Mercury — no power steering, all muscle—then spend the rest of the day surfing, skating and throwing hands with anyone who gave him a funny look.
Before The Pinz, it was just a no-name band out of Ponte Vedra that barely made it through one show before Clough realized he belonged front and center. That led to the Banditos, a raw twopiece with Clough on vocals and Clayton Block on drums. They started building a buzz around Jacksonville, and it wasn’t long before they knew they needed to beef up the lineup.
The first order of business was to find someone on bass, and luckily enough, Clough knew just the guy.
“I was just sick of dealing with flaky people who were not really in it because I was committed. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to give 100%, and Clayton was the same way. We would pretty much do anything to play music,” Clough shared. “My brother [Wyatt] was into music. He liked Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance and all that kind of stuff. He was kind of catching the tail end of the emo scene, so I went to my brother’s room across the hallway because we still lived with our parents, obviously. And I said, ‘Hey, you’re going to play this.’ And I handed him a bass, and he said, ‘OK.’ Just like that.”
Clough didn’t waste any time getting Wyatt up to speed, and Wyatt was all in. They had about a week of practicing before they were set to perform that weekend at The Pit.
“It was awesome. I mean, he picked up the singing pretty quickly, too, because he loved Pete Wentz at the time. And so for him to get to play bass and kind of emulate his hero was, I think, pretty cool for him.”
Not long after Wyatt joined, The Pinz entered a battle of the bands at Nease High School — and, no surprise, they won. The prize was an hour of studio time at a local Jacksonville spot, which they used to cut their first album. Even with the studio access, the whole thing was still pure DIY, just like everything The Pinz touched. They knocked out the whole 7-song EP — live-tracked and all — in under an hour.
photos courtesy of Walter Clough
photos courtesy of Walter Clough
photos courtesy of Walter Clough
“It was like there was no production value. We just live-tracked it. We didn’t even place a click or anything,” Clough recalled. “We didn’t know, we were just dumb ass kids and everything we’d ever done was DIY from day one.”
The dominoes kept falling into place for the band. Shortly after recording their EP, they landed a spot on tour with the punk legends the Dead Kennedys — a full-circle moment for Walter, who had named the band as one of his biggest inspirations.
Clough recalled getting an unexpected call from Bruce Cataldo, a local producer, who started the conversation with a strange question for a promoter: “What kind of amp do you have?” Walter told him he used a Marshall and asked why he wanted to know. Catlado then asked about the drummer’s kit — Clough explained it was a brand-new Pearl—and followed up by asking about the bassist’s gear. Clough admitted they’d been borrowing rigs and didn’t have a dedicated bass setup. Curious, he pressed Cataldo on why he was asking all this. That’s when Cataldo revealed a band from California wanted to take them on the road, but they’d need to upgrade their equipment to meet the standards for sharing a backline. Clough told him to send over a list of what they needed, and he’d make it happen.
“I called him back probably in two hours, like, all right, I got everything. I literally went out to Guitar Center and just got whatever I needed right then and there. So I did that, and I called him. I was like, all right, cool. What’s going on? What are we doing? He had given us really cool shows before, and I was like, OK, well, this might be crazy,” Clough explained. “And he’s like, have you ever heard of a band called the Dead Kennedys? I was like, are you? Are you kidding me? Bruce? The Dead Kennedys were the first punk band I ever heard back then. Hell, yeah, we’re so down.”
Clough marks that tour as the real beginning of the Pinz as we know them today. Hitting the East Coast with the Dead Kennedys gave them their first real taste of life on the road. Since Clough and his brother were still in high school at the time, their mom came along for the ride — tour chaperone duties and all. A close-knit relationship grew between the two bands, and the Pinz were invited back to perform at shows across the country. Clough remembers one show in particular when the lead singer asked him to jump on stage and sing a Dead Kennedys song with them.
“He just handed me the microphone, and I was like, OK, if you want me to upstage you guys, I’m going to do it. Don’t give me the microphone and expect me not to make the most of it. So during the song, when he handed me the microphone, maybe I took it, maybe he handed it to me, I don’t know. But, I went out and I stood on the crowd. I was walking on people’s hands singing the song,” Walter shared. “And that was the moment I was like, yeah, this is it. This is what I am. This is what I meant to do, at least for the time being. It was just so natural. I was 18 years old, commanding a pretty big field, like a 2,000-seat theater.”
The Pinz kept gaining steam and building a cult-like following in Jacksonville — but with the buzz came some friction behind the scenes. As they started playing alongside more punk acts, cracks began to show. The scene started to feel less authentic — some of the bands they once admired were putting on a persona to please the crowd, pushing messages they didn’t actually stand behind.
“We were writing music with these guys and seeing the music industry from behind the scenes. And it’s all so disingenuous to talk to someone on stage acting like they’re just totally ripped on whatever mystery meat narcotics, and then they come off stage like, hey, guys, what do you think of the show?” Walter explained. “Obviously, they’re playing a character, but why not just be yourself? Because when I’m on stage, I’m the same person on stage as I am walking around Publix. My brother and I, we don’t really care about being famous. We love to write music, and if it becomes super successful, then cool. But I don’t really give a shit about that. That means selling out, so to speak, of who we are.”
In the industry, Clough kept running into the same wall—people telling him what to do, what to wear, what to sing, how to sound. For a while, he played along. But eventually, it wore thin. He hit a point where he just couldn’t fake it anymore. He didn’t want to.
He wanted to be himself, and if that was something he wasn’t able to do, band life lost its appeal. With the love gone, performing felt more like a job than it did a passion, so tensions began rising within the band. The final straw sounds almost laughable now — but at the time, it was anything but.
“We laugh about it now, but I can’t remember what the full story is. Essentially, my brother and I got in a disagreement. I think I had to take him to a dentist appointment because he wrecked his car or something like that, and he wouldn’t get out of bed. I was like, well, f*ck you. I’m leaving and you’re not going to go to your dentist appointment. And then I was like, you know what? I think we just need to take a break from the band and all of that,” Clough recalled. “It’s such a stupid, silly reason to end something that was so fun. But like I said, you’re not really flush with maturity at that age. So yeah, we got into a fight over something stupid and took a 10-year break.”
Over the past decade, the band members drifted into their own lives — marriage, kids, the whole thing. It wasn’t until a few years back, when Clough and his wife Elif were running a shop in Georgia, that the idea of getting the band back together started bubbling up — sparked by casual conversations with customers who’d wander in and strike up some small
talk. Clough recalls the exact conversation he’d had that made him stop and think.
“Some of the people who were always coming to the business would strike up conversations with me and would ask me, ‘What were you doing before this?’ You know, you just talk to people. And one day I was like, ‘Well, I used to be in a band.’ And that was the first time I really thought about it,” Walter expressed. “Later that day, I went back and listened to old songs and the album we did with Chris Testa. I listened to that album and remembered thinking, ‘Yeah, this is so cheesy. I wrote this playlist in high school, but, damn, the production is so good. This is such a great album.’”
While listening to the album, Clough caught himself studying the artwork on the back and realized — it had been 10 years since they put it out. He picked up the phone and called Wyatt, pitching the idea of a 10-year reunion. Sure, it had come up in passing before, but this time, Clough was all in. No more talk — he was ready to make it happen. Clough reached out to one of their former drummers, Jacob White, who jumped on board without hesitation. Michael Peters stepped in on lead guitar— and just like that, The Pinz were officially back in action, and in true Pinz fashion, they practiced fully as a band only two days before their show at Jack Rabbits back in 2022.
“I think we probably prepared for like a month in advance of the show. The first time we practiced together fully as a band was two days before the show, and we learned the whole set, then a whole bunch of covers that we used to play throughout the years. It was so fun. It was, musically, probably not as tight as I would’ve liked it to be because I’m a perfectionist when it comes to that. But, we had a sold-out crowd, which really shocked me,” Clough shared. “For not playing for that long, I was like, wow, people must have really fond memories of us. I was so thankful and humbled in a way, you know? People still get us. People still care about coming and seeing us. We had crowd surfing and stage diving. It was like we never skipped a beat. It was like we were right back to where we were in the punk scene.”
Since reuniting, the band’s been back in the studio, writing new material ahead of their upcoming show at Jack Rabbits on June 14. But this time, it’s on their terms. They’re making music for themselves — writing what they want to write, singing what they want to sing. As Clough put it, “If people like it, cool. If they don’t, OK.”
“We’re not trying to sound like anybody else. We’re just being ourselves and being ourselves as much as we can be,” Clough shared. “And for me, I want to be on stage. I want to be performing. That’s what I love to do. I love to perform. I love to hear my guitar. I love to play my guitar.”
photos courtesy of Walter Clough
MAY 1
River City Comedy Showcase
Josephine eventbrite.com
FUNdraiser for PossAbilities Plus First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 1-3
David Landau Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 2
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
The Funny Together Tour True Life Church, Middleburg eventbrite.com
MAY 3
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
Midnight Hour Show (21+ only), 11:59 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 4
The Rich Guzzi Comedy Hypnosis Show Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
COMEDY
MAY 6
Max Manticof
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 7
Best of JAX Comedy Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 8
Mom Com Bella Vista Italian Restaurant, Fruit Cove eventbrite.com
MAY 8-10
Tony Rock Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 9
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Comedy Spotlight (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 10
Montenegro Ranch Comedy Show
Southbank Hotel Riverwalk by Marriott nf_comedymovement2025.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
Midnight Hour Show (21+ only), 11:45 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 11
Comedian A-Train & Friends
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
MAY 13
Fiona Cauley Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 14
Patrick Warburton Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 15
Maria Bamford
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
River City Comedy Showcase Voodoo Brewing Co. eventbrite.com
MAY 16
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Full Discloure (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
River City Comedy Showcase
Burlock and Barrel Distillery eventbrite.com
MAY 16-17
Tisha & Finesse Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
COMEDY
MAY 17
Comedy Night at Deerwood Castle Deerwood Castle eventbrite.com
Knock Knock Comedy Showcase
The Emerald Vine Room eventbrite.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
The Midnight Hour (21+ only), 11:45 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 18
Sammy Obeid Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
First Coast Comedy
The Jam Showcase, 6 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 22-24
Yamaneika Saunders Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 23
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 24
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
Midnight Hour Show (21+ only), 11:45 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 29-31
Jackie Fabulous Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
MAY 30
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
MAY 31
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
The Midnight Hour (21+ only), 11:45 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
JAZZ F TSE
Photo by Konstantin Aal on Unsplash
Words by Kerry Speckman
For more than 40 years, Jacksonville has been home to one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, and this year’s line-up promises to be one of the best yet.
The event kicks off May 22 with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition at the Florida Theatre, where five up-and-coming jazz pianists tickle the ivories for the chance to perform live at the festival May 24 at 4:45 p.m. (and also go home with some cold hard cash). The following three days, which take place at the Tailgaters Parking, east of EverBank Stadium, are jam-packed with performers showcasing a variety of jazz styles from from the funky jazz of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue to the innovative, hip-hop/jazz hybrid of The Roots. And what Jacksonville Jazz Festival would be complete without an appearance by jazz fusion posterchildren Spyrogyra?
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Jacksonville Jazz Festival experience:
1. While the event is free, attendees can upgrade to VIP level, giving them preferred seating, dedicated bars, access to the VIP Lounge and private restrooms (that’s worth the price in itself!). VIP upgrades are available for single days or the entirety of the event.
2. In addition to music, music and more music, the event includes a marketplace featuring local vendors, so bring your wallet.
3. More than 20 food vendors will be onsite so bring your appetite too.
4. Familiarize yourself with the prohibited items list found on the event website. It could be a long walk to return that giant cooler full of beer to your car. And if you were thinking about taking your Segway or hoverboard to the festivities, forget those too.
5. A dedicated family zone will be set up to make the experience fun and comfortable for the whole family.
6. The music doesn’t stop after the last act ends, as Jazz Fest After Dark returns to The Elbow. From Friday-Sunday from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., venues including The Albatross, Intuition Aleworks, De Real Ting, Circuit Arcade Bar and Volstead host local musicians for late night jam sessions.
7. There is no smoking (including e-cigarettes) at the event.
8. The Jazz Festival happens rain or shine.
9. Check the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office website for detours and other traffic changes as it gets closer to the event.
10. Have fun!
For all things Jacksonville Jazz Festival, visit jacksonvillejazzfest.com.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2025 Schedule
Friday, May 23
4:30 p.m.
Let’s Ride Brass Band featuring Bella Kosal
6 p.m. Spyro Gyra
7:45 p.m.
Maysa 9:30 p.m.
Kool & the Gang
Saturday, May 24
3:45 p.m
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jazz Combo
4:45 p.m.
Piano Competition Winner
5:45 p.m.
Tank and the Bangas
7:30 p.m.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
9:15 p.m.
Janelle Monáe
Sunday, May 25
3:15 p.m.
UNF Jazz Ensemble I
4:15 p.m.
Connie Han
5:45 p.m.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
7:15 p.m.
Boney James
9 p.m.
The Roots
Record Store Day Campout
Vinyl Collectors Spend the Night for Music
Records collectors, the time has come and gone, but the tradition continued. If you’re wanting to get those rare exclusive records on Record Store Day, you needed to set your alarm early or skip the sleep. It comes down to how much you want those exclusive titles. For many, the event isn’t just a day to celebrate music. But rather it’s a campout experience that turns the sidewalks outside of Tiger Records into a neighborhood of music lovers, and strangers becoming friends. This experience has become an annual full-on overnight ritual for music collectors.
Hours before the sun rose on April 12, the sidewalk outside of Tiger Records was packed with foldable chairs, blankets and sleeping bags. Some people arrived as early as midnight the day of, and others arrived much earlier. “I got here at four 4:30 p.m., but my grandma saved me a spot at like 8 a.m. in the morning, and I’m planning to wait here until they open at 8 a.m. tomorrow,” said Izzy Ramirez.
Collectors came fully equipped with hoodies, blankets, sleeping bags, snacks, games and any other essentials to get them through the long night. Many brought a friend or socialized with fellow collectors in line to pass the time until the doors opened. Throughout the long night conversations in line happened between strangers, lots of naps and snacking and friendships made.
The night may have been long, but acquiring those rare records and meeting other collectors made camping out worth it. Typically, the campout line starts at midnight, but that changed. A highly sought-after album had campers arrive extra early. The Record Store Day exclusive “Wicked” soundtrack was limited to 2,000 copies. This had campers in a frenzy and talking about this title all night. Getting there earlier was essential to ensure you had a chance at getting a copy of this record.
“The ‘Wicked’ vinyl was a must-have for my vinyl collection. I arrived at Tiger at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and was the first in line. I waited nearly 26 hours in line and managed to snag a copy, as well as a few other different records.” Given the popularity of the “Wicked” movie and low quantity, the high demand for the record skyrocketed and had the streets lined with well over 100 campers in line wrapped around the block.
Whether you were new or a seasoned camper, the vibes were chill and a bit chaotic. People brought chairs, bundled up with blankets, and their favorite snacks. All of this is part of the culture of the annual campout ritual. While this year’s event has passed, it’s never too early to start planning for next year. Just be sure to bring a chair, pack snacks and arrive early as the line starts to form before the sun rises.
For updates, be sure to check out Tiger Records on Instagram @Tigerrecs.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT GOES ON AT A RECORD STORE DAY CAMPOUT
Spring Mural Jam
Photos provided by VP & Chief Expericne Officer of PHX Arts and Innovative District Emily Moody
Words by Kaili Cochran
Now in its second year, the annual Spring Mural Jam is once again adding color and creativity to the walls of 14th and Hubbard streets with more than 40 local artists signing up to paint original murals.
Unlike commissioned pieces, these murals are purely artist-driven, allowing artists of different backgrounds and skill levels to come together to network, collaborate and contribute their visions to a larger piece in the community.
Emily Moody, chief experience officer for Phoenix Arts and Innovative District, and local muralist Elena Ohlander co-founded the event. What began as an idea in a group chat has grown into a community event.
“[Elena] and I started working together a few years ago. She started an Instagram group called Jax Wall Project,” Moody said. “It’s really grown into a place where we can share everything from, you know, artists’ commissions and RFPs for other cities to just news about the local arts community and shows that are happening. She and I paired up to start working on this event, and now we’re in year two, and it’s growing every year.”
One muralist is 16-year-old Zende Randolph, one of the youngest artists at the event.
“I’ve been doing art since I was super little since I was drawing whatever I wanted,” Randolph said. “Most people kind of have a deeper meaning for making art, but not me. I just make art because it looks cool.”
Randolph’s mural is a scaled-up version of a galaxy character he created a couple of years ago.
“She can breathe in space, but she can also change her size to pretty much any mass. So she can be as small as a regular human or larger than the planet,” Randolph said.
Myah Freeman, a Florida State University fine arts graduate, attended the event the year prior and painted a personal piece honoring her late father. This year, she planned to recreate this mural in more depth.
“The mural [behind me] is of my late father, and I will be redoing it for this year,” Freeman said. “I want to zoom in and do a larger portrait so I can experiment with getting more fine details in my portraiture work for murals.”
Freeman returned to the event for the second year in a row because of her positive experience the first time around.
“I really enjoyed it. It’s a great space for artists to come out and experiment, learn their skills, mentor and just to beautify the community,” Freeman said. “It’s a way of just seeing what I’m capable of doing. I’m very new to the mural industry, and I’m catching on pretty big, so I surprise myself a lot. I’m excited to see what I do today.”
Another returning artist Mike McIntire began his mural work at last year’s event and has since expanded his technique by participating in other mural events, such as painting for the 48-hour Film Festival.
“My vision is showing, you know, you could be broken and beautiful at the same time,” McIntire said. “I just recently did this as a painting for a contest, and I decided I’d bring that idea out to a bigger wall.”
The initiative focuses on the concept of adaptive reuse, which is adding new life to existing spaces rather than building something entirely new. In this project, the Phoenix Arts District is transforming the previously empty walls into canvases for local artists.
All murals painted during the jam will remain up for a year, allowing locals to pass by and admire the diverse approaches and messages of art by each of these artists until the next annual event, when the walls will be painted over again with new stories.
The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org
Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org
FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org
First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org
Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu
Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu
Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com
Gallery 725 gallery725.com
Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu
Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com
Hillary Whitaker Gallery hwhitakergallery.com
Jacksonville Main Library tacjacksonville.org
Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa
The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org
MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu
PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com
Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com
Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com
St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org
Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com
Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org
Touché Gallery touchegallery.com
University of North Florida unf.edu/gallery
The Vault at 330 thevaultat1930.com
Yellow House yellowhouseart.org
ONGOING
Art Walk
Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org
Fernandina Beach Arts Market
Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com
Riverside Arts Market
Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday — rain or shine — from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com
St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk
On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. staaa.org
Vilano Beach Artisan Market
Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road. facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial
Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.
Dollar-Dusted Dance Floor
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
The night started off harmless enough — at Pete’s employee holiday party, a few drinks, the usual plans to end up at our regular spot. But somehow, we stumbled into an entirely different universe: the Officer’s Club. Neither of us had ever been to a strip club before. Everything we thought we knew came from secondhand stories and shiny, over-the-top movie scenes. Yet there we were, a wad of ones in hand, following a crew of seasoned regulars through the door. It didn’t take long to realize we were the only customers — but hey, it was a Monday night after all.
Our nameless line leader slipped through the velvet curtain and led us into a haze of flashing disco lights and slow-thumping bass. The air was thick with perfume, cigarette smoke and the low hum of late-night chaos. Without missing a beat, he slapped his AMEX into our hand, told us to grab a round of chilled, top-shelf tequila shots for the crew, and disappeared toward the ATM to stock up for whatever the night had in store.
Cash in hand, we strolled up to the stage and claimed the front row seats — the only seats — and settled in under the low, smoky haze. Full disclosure: We don’t remember much from that night. But here’s what we do recall — the second we sat down, the DJ, tucked somewhere deep in the shadows behind a battered soundboard, dropped a heavy bassline and girls in a kaleidoscope of thongs and glittered bras took the poles like seasoned pros.
After that, everything turned into a tequila-soaked blur (and we’ll spare you the finer details — including Carmen’s private dance that may or may not have involved a feather boa). All we know is before we could even blink, our oncethick stack of ones had vanished — and that was just on the first rotation.
Now, we’re not exactly the types to blow through cash without a second thought, so running out of our graciously loaned singles that fast caught us off guard. Was it the tequila talking? The high of doing something deliciously reckless? Do bored, lonely men usually find themselves in the same spiral or — as women — were we just a little more eager to hype up anyone bold enough to bare it all under the flicker of neon lights?
We eventually got a refill of cash and tequila and left that night with a new tale to tell our friends. The next morning we woke up with questions. Not the typ ical type of blacked out questions we usually have on a Saturday morning (in this case, a Tuesday morning): Who were we with? What did we say? Whose credit card is stuck to my face? Rather, we were left wondering what it actually takes to be a dancer.
So, esteemed journalists that we are, we went straight to the source. Tracking down a dancer who would be willing to shed some light on her life under the neon light. For safety purposes, her name and club will be left redacted. Instead, we will use her performer name: Cleo, short for Cleopatra.
“I think there’s a lot of glamorization and glorification about it. I think you see the movies and there’s just, I want people to know there’s good nights and there’s bad nights,” Cleo shared. “The good nights are good, don’t get me wrong. You get your rent paid in one night and it’s nice, but there are some nights where it’s really slow, and like any other job, it gets boring.”
Cleo first hit the stage back in 2019, after watching a few of her friends dive into the industry and start raking in serious cash. It didn’t take long for her to decide she wanted in on the action — and the fun.
“I don’t want to do it past like 25,” Cleo said. “I want to go to fashion school and be a designer. I’m just kind of stacking for that.”
Every dancer finds themselves on the dollar-dusted dancefloor for different reasons. Sometimes it’s to pay for school, keep the lights on or take care of family. Other times, it’s less about necessity and more about owning their power. Being a dancer isn’t always a last resort or a fallback plan — for some, it’s Plan A from the start.
“As a survivor of sexual abuse, I think it definitely helped me get my power back when it felt like it wasn’t there for a bit. It made me a lot more confident than I used to be, and I have no problem voicing my opinions and my boundaries now,” Cleo explained. “But, that’s not to say there aren’t some rough nights. I have a big personality, and I’ve always been a performer and a dancer. I think just getting comfortable talking to everyone took me a minute.”
One of the biggest myths about strip clubs lives behind the velvet curtains — the idea that the dressing rooms are all jealousy and catfights, like some cheap movie script. But talk to the women who actually live it, and you’ll hear a different story. For most dancers, the dressing room isn’t a battlefield; it’s a safe haven. It’s where real friendships are built and where a genuine support system takes root. The women watch out for one another — sharing advice, swapping safety tips, lending an ear on the hard nights. It’s not just about survival; it’s about community. Instead of standing alone, you’ve got a room full of women who know exactly what it takes to thrive — and who want to see you do just that.
“I think that there’s a common misconception that we’re catty and bitchy and mean to each other, but there’s a lot of camaraderie that happens with it. We all help each other. I mean, of course, there’s always going to be some drama when you have that many personalities in a room, but there’s a lot of hopefulness and hustling,” Cleo expressed. “We help each other hustle, and it’s a lot nicer than it seems. I have made a couple of pretty serious friends that I would call my best friends. It definitely feels like a space of like-minded individuals, which is nice. It’s nice to be around other people who are very independent.”
Photo by Maks D. on Unsplash
There’s a reason prostitution is illegal in most states — and a reason strip clubs keep their red neon “open” signs buzzing through the night. And it’s probably not the reason you’d expect. How these places run changes depending on where you are. In bigger cities, dancers are booked and scheduled like clockwork, clocking in and out like any other nine-to-fiver. But in smaller, rough-around-the-edges cities like Jacksonville, it’s a different game. Here, if you want to dance, you pay up first. As Cleo put it, most dancers front a fee to the club, the same way you’d rent out a space to throw a party. It’s a setup that draws a hard line between stripping and prostitution — and throws a little extra protection into the mix.
“We pay to show up to work. It’s cheaper the earlier you show up, but we pay a certain amount out of every dance we do,” Cleo explained. “Maybe it’s like saving their asses a little bit, so it’s not prostitution because you’re paying them kind of. So there’s give and take.”
It’s a lot like how hairstylists rent a booth at a salon. This setup gives dancers a little more freedom. Instead of being locked into one club, they can take their skills on the road, renting themselves out for a weekend wherever the money — or the adventure — calls. Cleo even mentioned that a lot of the girls live life on the road, in vans or on boats, never staying in one place for too long.
But it’s not all glitz and glamour. It takes a certain kind of person to walk into a room full of strangers, night after night, and offer themselves up on a silver platter. And no matter how tough you are, after a while, it starts to leave a mark. That’s why most dancers slip into a persona — a different name, a different skin — the second they step through those doors. It’s a kind of armor, a way to separate who they are inside the club from who they are outside of it. Because in this world, survival sometimes means becoming someone else entirely. Especially as a woman surrounded by bloodthirsty wolves — or in this case, lonely men looking for a surface-level connection with a pretty girl covered in dollar bills.
“I think my confidence carries over both offstage and onstage. I think I bite my tongue a lot more at work than I do outside of work. I’m pretty loud and in your face outside of work. But, you know, for the sake of money, you tend to placate quite a bit. Although it does help when I’m nervous or anxious about something, I can just kind of channel who I am at work, and it feels like not such a big deal anymore. So that’s one benefit of it,” Cleo described. “I think there’s definitely some nights where it does carry over into my regular life, whether I want it to or not, where I just don’t want to be touched or spoken to, you know? I just don’t need more male energy, and it’s just too much. I know that’s unfair, but it is what it is. You do lose a little bit of faith in men, I’m not gonna lie. You get a lot of bachelors that do questionable things the night before the wedding, and it’s a lot. They aren’t all bad people. There are plenty of decent people who are just lonely, who come in and just want some company.”
Like everything in life, this business has its highs and lows, good and bad, give and take. There are lonely men looking for company and there are bachelors going out for what they think is their final taste of freedom. And there are Monday night crowds like ours, looking for new experiences to cross off their bucket list.
“It’s very volatile. There’s high highs and low lows,” Cleo said. “Save. Quick money goes quick. A veteran told me that when I first started.”
“It’s
very volatile. There’s high highs and low lows...”
“SINCERELY”
NEW MUSIC RELEASES
Made
For
You By Amiyah Golden
Kali Uchis revealed the news about her upcoming album “Sincerely” to fans in March via her Instagram.
Uchis has kept much of her project under wraps, but fans are still excited to hear what she has created for her fifth studio album.
Alternative rap artist Rico Nasty is back with her album “Lethal.”
This project is a collaboration between Rico and Grammy-nominated producer Imad Royal.
Thirty-seven songs sound like a big feat for an album, but country singer Morgan Wallen has proven me wrong with the release of his latest album, “I’m the Problem.”
This is Wallen’s fourth studio album and features guest appearances by notable names such as Post Malone, Tate McRae and Eric Church.
Wallen is also slated to kick off his accompanying tour in June.
KALI UCHIS
RICO NASTY
Aminé is back with a solo endeavor this year with his album “13 Months of Sunshine.” This comes two years after the release of “Kaytraminé,” a joint project with DJ Kaytranada.
“Kaytramine” gave us so many summer-time grooves, so I’m curious to see what Aminé has been creating for this summer.
AMINÉ
“13 MONTHS OF SUNSHINE”
Singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey is releasing her LP “The Right Person Will Stay” this month.
Del Rey has released her single, “Henry, Come on,” off the album to stir fans up, ahead of its release date.
“THE RIGHT PERSON WILL STAY”
Former child star and singer Miley Cyrus is releasing her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, which includes visual elements as well.
This project will feature 13 tracks.
“SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL”
OUT WITH THE OLD,
Photo courtesy of Scooter Ward
IN WITH THE COLD
When we started digging into our March music issue, we had the chance to catch up with Damien Starkey — as you should already know — and he laid down one simple rule: We had to include Cold. No ifs, ands or buts. Because let’s be real, no story about Jacksonville’s rock scene would be complete without one of its most beloved underground bands. Starkey graciously connected us with Cold’s frontman, Scooter Ward, by passing along his email. Unfortunately, Cold was on tour, and Ward’s response came well after our deadline, but like Starkey said, we needed to include him.
So, without further ado ...
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
“Local music in the late ‘80s into the ‘90s allowed all the bands to be free to form their own sound. We were fortunate to have a very eclectic scene,” Ward shared. “You could go from club to club that were all on the same block and see a metal, reggae or a punk band on any given night.”
The original members crashed into each other at Fletcher High School — the way the loud ones always do. They called themselves Grundig and tore through garages, backyards and busted house parties, hauling beat-up amps and scraping by on whatever power they could steal from a wall. The crowds packed tighter, the noise got louder, and before long, the gigs outgrew the houses and spilled into the clubs.
Grundig eventually landed a record deal, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there. Not long after, the German stereo company Grundig came calling, offering to let them keep the name — for a steep licensing fee. Around the same time, Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland, who had been talking with Ward’s producer, casually tossed out a new idea: Cold. And honestly, it fit like a glove. So, the group decided out with the old and in with the Cold.
For nearly four decades, Cold has been hitting stages around the world, leaving a trail of wreckage and loyal fans in their wake. Lineups have shifted, faces have changed, but with Ward at the wheel, their raw, bruised alternative metal sound never wavered. These days, Cold is back on the road, celebrating 25 years of “13 Ways to Bleed on Stage” and 20 years of “A Different Kind of Pain” — two albums that carved their names deep into the walls of rock history.
Folio: Cold was born out of Jacksonville’s music scene in the late ’80s. What role did the city itself play in shaping the early sound and attitude of the band?
Ward: Local music in the late ’80s into the ’90s allowed all the bands to be free to form their own sound. We were fortunate to have a very eclectic scene. You could go from club to club that were all on the same block and see a metal, reggae or a punk band on any given night. That also allowed the scene to not really have any animosity between the bands, and everyone was very accepting of the other’s genre. I would watch a Chronic Reality set, then walk next door to see Pili Pili, and both were at a high level of musicianship. I believe that raised all the artists in our area to be able to create a unique original sound.
Folio: Looking back, which moment in Cold’s journey stands out as a defining experience?
Ward: There were many throughout the years, but the first time it all really seemed like we had made an impact was when our album “Year of the Spider” hit No. 3 on the Billboard charts. I remember getting the call from the label one morning while on tour. It was a surreal moment for us all and a milestone we never expected to reach.
Folio: Cold has been through lineup changes and hiatuses. What has kept you grounded and motivated to keep the band going?
Ward: Our fan base keeps me motivated with their loyalty throughout all the years. Couldn’t ask for a better group of people to play for. Every show now feels like a big family reunion. I’m forever thankful and humbled that I’m able to still do this after all these years.
Folio: If Cold could tour with any band, past or present, who would be your dream tour mates and why?
Ward: The Cult and Bad Brains would be my dream tour. Both bands were and will always be an inspiration to me.
Folio: What was one of your favorite or most memorable shows in Jacksonville?
Ward: I grew up going to the Jacksonville Coliseum to see the big bands that would come to town periodically through my youth. Then years later, I was able to play that same building while on tour with Godsmack and Staind. It would be the last rock concert at the Coliseum as they were destroying it to build something new… Another surreal moment.
Folio: Cold has gone through different eras—from the post-grunge energy of “13 Ways to Bleed on Stage” to the more melodic and atmospheric tones of “The Things We Can’t Stop.” How do you stay true to Cold’s identity while continuing to evolve?
Ward: Always write from the heart. Ignore all the noise and what’s popular. Say the things you want to say. That’s been the way Cold has always created music and will continue until our last song.
Words by Teresa Spencer
Jason Isbell: The Last Honest Songwriter
photo by Christy Bush
In a music world bloated with flash and pretense, Jason Isbell stands tall with no rhinestones, no smoke machines, no bull. He's one of the most critically respected American singer-songwriters alive today. The real deal: a man with deep Southern roots, a razor-sharp pen and a voice that cuts through the noise like a freight train at midnight.
Born in Green Hill, Alabama, Isbell grew up surrounded by music that meant something. Gospel, bluegrass, old school country. It was a soundtrack of hard lives and harder truths. That upbringing seeped into his blood and, later, into his songwriting: honest, vivid and unafraid.
While his primary weapon is the guitar, make no mistake that Isbell is musically dangerous across the board. His voice carries a mournful clarity, the kind that sounds like it’s lived through what it’s singing about because it has.
At just 22 years old, Isbell joined the Southern rock juggernaut Drive-By Truckers. He wasn’t just punching above his weight; he was swinging with the heavyweights. His songs like “Outfit,” “Decoration Day” and “Goddamn Lonely Love” quickly became fan favorites in the early 2000s, brimming with the kind of bruised poetry that’s usually reserved for artists twice his age.
Eventually, the road took its toll. Between creative tensions and too many late nights spent losing battles to the bottle, Isbell eventually walked away which was a move that nearly broke him but, in the long run, may have saved his life.
Fast forward a decade and Isbell’s began his quest with solo work which was a tug-of-war between undeniable talent and personal demons. The brilliance was there, but it flickered. Then, in 2012, came an intervention. His future wife, Amanda Shires, along with a few trusted friends pleaded with Isbell to get sober, and like iron sharpened by fire, his songwriting became lethal during his recovery process.
In 2013 he had a breakthrough album, Americana at its best, “Southeastern.” It was raw, autobiographical, and devastatingly beautiful. The record captured a man battling for his soul and, by some miracle, winning. Tracks like “Cover Me Up,” a bruised love letter to Shires, and “Elephant,” proved Isbell wasn’t just another roots-rocker. He was, and is, one of America’s great chroniclers of the human condition.
Named after a mental health facility in Florence, Alabama, Isbell’s backing band, The 400 Unit, are not just hired guns. They’re a vital part of the storm he brings to stages across the world. Together, they craft a full, rich sound. Southern rock muscle fused with folk soul and sharp, literate songwriting.
Isbell hasn’t coasted on his reputation. In the last few years, he has released Albums like “Something More Than Free,” “The Nashville Sound,” “Reunions” and 2023’s “Weathervanes” which show a man still hungry, still pushing himself. His songs wrestle with love, working-class dignity, addiction, injustice and the uneasy state of modern America, all without sounding preachy or self-satisfied.
He sings the truth, even when it stings, especially when it stings.
He’s often compared to legends like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and John Prine and not because critics needed a headline. Isbell earned those comparisons the hard way: with blood, sweat, and three chords that tell the truth.
In April, Jason Isbell performed live at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, and if there were ever any lingering doubt, that night proved it: he’s living proof that authenticity still matters. Hard work, humility and the guts to tell the truth in three verses and a chorus can still move mountains and maybe even save a few lost souls along the way.
One particular moment that will stay with me forever was his performance of “If We Were Vampires.” It’s a personal favorite of mine, a song that already makes me swoon every time I hear it, especially after being serenaded with it earlier this fall albeit through a YouTube link (it was still charming, but no real match for the live magic).
Hearing it from Isbell’s own lips, floating through the warm Florida night, was nothing short of spellbinding. It seemed as if every soul in the Amphitheatre was placed under a trance, mesmerized, entranced and entirely at his mercy. It was a rare and beautiful kind of communion between artist and audience, the kind you can’t manufacture or fake.
If you ever get the chance to see Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit live, don’t hesitate. Go. Wherever he’s playing, however far you have to drive, go. Shows like his aren’t just concerts. They’re reminders of why music matters.
CONCERTS
photo by Amiyah Golden
CONCERTS
MAY 1
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Cat Ridgeway and the Tourists Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 2
Ghost Funk Orchestra WJCT Soundstage jaxmusic.org
Anvil & more The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Two Friends Decca Live deccalive.com
Small Pools
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 2-3
“Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows” Part 2 Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
MAY 2-MAY 18
Romanza Festivale of Music & The Arts Various locations, St. Augustine romanzafestivale.com
MAY 3
Intocable Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Summerhoop Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 4
NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Red Leather & more
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Katie Mahan Friday Musicale fridaymusicale.com
MAY 6
One Night of Queen
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Soulja Boy
Decca Live deccalive.com
MAY 7
Kenny G Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Brokencyde & more
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Joey’s Van
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 8
Vincent Antone & more
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
The Psychodelics
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 9
In Gloom Album Release
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
James Kennedy Decca Live deccalive.com
Last Resort
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 9-10
Funk Fest Metropolitan Park funkfesttour.com
Cirque Of Ice & Fire
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
MAY 10
DJ Diesel Decca Live deccalive.com
Southpaw
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 11
Tongue Tied
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 12
Michael Feinberg Trio
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Bodie Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
MAY 13
Mat Kearney Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Boy With Uke Five fivejax.com
Save Ferris
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 14
Murphy’s Law
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 15
Michael Franti & Spearhead St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Spaced & more
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Kameron Marlowe Five fivejax.com
MAY 15-18
Welcome to Rockville
Daytona International Speedway welcometorockville.com
MAY 16
Forrest Frank Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Joywave
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Juicy J Decca Live deccalive.com
Reggaeton Rave Five fivejax.com
Quail Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 17
Dylan Scott St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Terror The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
ACRAZE Decca Live deccalive.com
The Supervillains
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 18
HAUSER St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Honestav The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Homegrown Losers
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 19
Peelander-Z Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 20
Brit Floyd Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MAY 21
Max Diaz
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
MAY 22
Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Chrome Horse: Bob Dylan Tribute
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
MAY 23-25
Jacksonville Jazz Festival Tailgaters Parking jacksonvillejazzfest.com
MAY 24
Tchami Decca Live deccalive.com
Herd the Cat
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 24-25
JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
MAY 25
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
MAY 28
Haywire & more
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
MAY 29
Rick Springfield
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Tyler Childers
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Hypno Nun
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
MAY 30
Sam Barber St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Afrojack Decca Live deccalive.com
MAY 31
Kodak Black, Young Cash & Friends Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
Emery
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Young Nudy Five fivejax.com
Veritas Prism
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Chalk It Up to Punk
By day, Bryce Powell handles home loans, Ryan Cobb troubleshoots IT systems at a law firm, and Blake Powell builds pools under the Florida sun. But when the sun dips low and the clock-out chimes hit, a different kind of work begins. Bryce picks up his guitar and mic, Blake slides behind the drum kit and Cobb straps on his bass.
Different jobs, different paths—what ties this trio together isn’t just blood or years of friendship. It’s Chalk Tiger, a Jacksonville-born punk band that trades routine for distortion and quiet for something loud, fast and real.
Two years ago, Chalk Tiger was a newly-formed punk outfit playing their first few sets in dimly-lit venues across Jacksonville, at college-house parties and Kona Skatepark. Now, they’re packing crowds at established venues like Underbelly, Vooswar and sharing the stage with Wine Lips, Agent Orange, Las Nubes and other national acts.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. One doesn’t just pick up an instrument one day and is in a band two years later. The journey toward underground punk shows and downtown venues is a long one, and for Bryce, Blake and Cobb it began in their childhood bedrooms and in-between classes. If you haven’t already picked up on it, Bryce and Blake have known each other all their lives, sharing a last name and all. Cobb came into the picture not too long after in a third-grade classroom.
Music and skate parks tied these three together, and not just any type of music, though they weren’t picky, but artists like Green Day, Nirvana and Black Lips were a guiding force for the three of them. Bryce picked up guitar in the seventh grade and shortly after so did Cobb and Blake. But to be in a band together and it not just be a one big guitar solo, Cobb switched over to bass and Blake found solace with the drums.
“We always listened to the same type of music so throughout our lives, just kind of bounced ideas back and forth,” Bryce shared. “Then when we got a little bit older and we stopped skateboarding, we started playing instruments and were in and out of bands throughout high school together. We’re at this point in our lives now where we decided to start this band.”
The three played with different bands, the same bands and cover bands over the years. Eventually, when they started writing their own music, the music they listened to as kids naturally bled into the lyrics and sound they were creating.
The name Chalk Tiger traces back to Bryce’s teenage years. His room at the time featured a chalkboard wall — an inheritance from his younger brother who had it before him. One day, a strikingly realistic tiger appeared on the wall.
Then, Bryce was in a band called Lookout Lizards with his friends Sam and Blake, playing garage and punk rock. Inspired by the chalk-drawn tiger, Sam wrote a song called “Chalk Tiger,” simply because he thought it sounded cool. The name stuck with them. Years later, when the idea for a new band started to take shape, they leaned into that same sonic energy — and the memory of that old song.
At first, they called themselves Look Out (!), a nod to their earlier band, but it didn’t feel quite right. Eventually, they circled back to Chalk Tiger — a name born out of teenage graffiti and inside jokes.
As the band has grown, so has their sound. What started as a grunge-infused garage rock band gradually shifted toward punk, and over time, Chalk Tiger has continued to evolve. Their music now explores more psychedelic territory with longer, more expansive songs that pay homage to their early influences while adding a fresh layer of flair.
“It’s just maturing as we’re getting older,” Bryce shared.
Meet Chalk Tiger
Two years ago, the band released their first full-length album, “High Charity,” recorded at Warehouse Studios — the same studio where “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd was mixed as well as where many of Jacksonville’s music legends recorded their music.
“I don’t want to say it’s not a fully realized album. It’s more just like, these are the songs that we have and that we are playing at the shows currently,” Bryce explained. “We just wanted to get something out there so that there’s like a way that people can go listen to the music. We have plans to have a more cohesive album in the future.”
The album captures much of the raw grit and energy of their early days, much of it recorded live.
“‘Rapture’ is pretty sweet. We never play it live anymore, but it’s just got, like, some cool tempo changes, and it’s just kind of got, like, a different feel. And then Bryce has a really cool guitar solo towards the end and then Blake’s drums on it,” Ryan shared. “ I think that’s our only song where we have, like, a really slow breakdown, a long, drawn-out breakdown, but I think ‘Dance Close’ is probably my favorite to play,” Blake added.
The album also reflects their growth as a band, showcasing some of their newer, more refined songs.
“I like ‘Fit the Mold’ the most,” Bryce shared. “It seemed like people connected to it a lot, and I did as well, just because it feels like the right kind of vibe of where we found our footing.”
Regardless of whether it’s an off-the-cuff jam session or a more polished, thought-out track, Chalk Tiger, at its core, is still just a group of longtime friends sharing their love for music in the public eye. Many of their songs are laced with Easter eggs from their early days — nods to old jokes, latenight conversations and weird recurring bits like mayo and milk that somehow keep finding their way into lyrics. One of my favorites on the album is “Brain Milk”—a track that perfectly blends their raw, unfiltered energy with a more layered, evolving sound. It’s messy in the way all good punk music is.
“We’ve always had an infatuation with ‘Mayo.’ I don’t know. It just came from when we were kids,” Bryce shared. “I think we were on a golf cart and we were like, going over a bunch of bumps. And it we were like, ‘oh, man, oh, man, oh, man,’ And it just kind of turned into like, ‘oh, mayo, oh, mayo.’ And then we stuck with it,” Ryan said. “Now it’s like a part of our whole friend group. We’ve been the Mayo Boys for a long time. So we like to include that, I mean, even one of our songs, ‘Misbehave,’ I have lyrics about smashing jars of mayonnaise in it,” Blake added.
With just a handful of singles and one full-length album under their belt, Chalk Tiger is still carving out their place in the Jacksonville punk scene. But like all of us, they’re learning as they go — figuring it out show by show, riff by riff. With each show, whether it’s under bridges, in venues or at sweat-packed house parties, they’re growing more confident, more dialed in and with better equipment and consistent crowds. They’re a band in motion, loud, unfiltered and evolving.
A Glimpse Into the World of John O’Brien
“As a very young child, probably around 5 years old, I saw my mother in the leading role in a musical play that was being put on by a local amateur acting group that she was — unbeknownst to me — a member of. When I saw her sing and move about the stage with such grace, I immediately thought, ‘I can do that! I want to do that!’ I was fascinated by my mother’s talent that I’d never seen, and her singing voice that I rarely heard. I fantasized about being in plays and singing as [my] mother did so naturally. I always loved music as a child and when I was very young, I started bothering my parents to get me an instrument. I started school when I was five and the school had a piano. I played on it — horribly — so much so that after my first grade they ended up forbidding me from playing it while in second grade. Finally, on my seventh birthday, my parents and an uncle gave me a piano. I began playing and taking lessons and loved it. After that, I was hooked and I couldn’t stop thinking about music, singing songs and writing down my own lyrics. It didn’t take long for me to start collaborating with other kids who were also into music.”
This is the story of John O’Brien.
The establishing shot of a film that features resilience, passion, trials and triumph.
The story of a local artist who strives to spread joy through his sound.
I met with O’Brien where we discussed his life from his battle with cancer to recording at the same studio on Abbey Road as The Beatles once did. O’Brien instantly captivated me with the many tales he had stored in his pocket — and the beacon of light that shined within him.
“I was the oldest of seven children,” recalled O’Brien. “My mother was creative and spent her time doing oil paintings and acting in local theatrical productions. There was always music playing in the house. We listened to all kinds of different music, and on the holidays the music never stopped except maybe for when we went to bed.”
O’Brien’s appreciation of the arts was instilled in him from a very young age, so it wasn’t unexpected that he embraced the sound himself, but his true awakening occurred at a Boston Pops show.
“That was nuts, crazy and I came away from it thinking that I really had to keep playing music in one form or another for the rest of my life—so I have!” he recalled.
At age 9, O’Brien started his first band. “I learned to play guitar and started my own band with some local kids about two years before The Beatles even came out. We were doing material like The Dave Clark Five, The Kingston Trio and The Beach Boys,” stated O’Brien. “After that, I continued to perform in bands playing covers and traveling around with different musicians in different places and playing different types of music and styles. It didn’t matter how good or bad you were; it was about playing and loving all the people you would play music with.”
O’Brien even reckons that he’s amassed 10,000 gigs under his belt thus far.
This was just the catalyst for O’Brien’s future career in music, as he had formed several successful pop-rock bands in the New York area before migrating to St. Augustine.
Once acclimated to the coasts and the tides, O’Brien formed High Water, a Southern rock band.
“After the band, I worked for six years in a popular music act which was a lot of fun as well and we had great audiences every time we played,” he said.
Between his mastery and sheer love for music, O’Brien shifted to a more personal endeavor when it came to his sound.
“Around 2016 I decided to stop doing covers altogether and began doing only my original music,” he added. “I told my band that if I ever had to play ‘Margaritaville’ again, they should just shoot me!”
So with his guitar in hand and his voice close by, O’Brien began playing at festivals throughout Florida.
“It was enlightening from the standpoint that I could see which of my songs really did light up the crowd and which songs didn’t,” he recalled.
Eventually, the pair — the guitar and the voice — turned into a trio with O’Brien adding a hand drummer on the congas to the mix… and then a bass player… and then a lead guitarist and then next thing you know a band was formed.
In 2019, they recorded O’Brien’s original album, “The Love You Need,” and in 2022, they recorded another album, “Love Vexations.” They embarked on a European tour that same year.
The two albums, collectively, have garnered more than six million streams, and O’Brien has a monthly listener count of 10.4k on Spotify alone.
O’Brien has left such a positive imprint on the world of music — and academics, as he has his doctoral degree and is a professor of graduate studies in public administration and government.
While O’Brien is versed in a slew of different genres from pop, rock, house, and simple folk music, he is leaning back to country and Southern rock for his upcoming projects.
“It’s such a lively genre of music, and you can say so many things that are important in the country song that’s hard to put into a rock or pop piece. I’ve also reminded myself how many really good country musicians there are in the Northeast Florida area and I think that the audiences love it as well,” O’Briend said. “So I’ve recently been working with pedal steel players and fiddle players and integrating that music into my songs as I’m producing them.”
O’Brien’s story is still being written, but the prior chapters of his life exhibit his unwavering character and his endless talents continuing to make it a story worth celebrating.
To keep up with O’Brien’s music, you can find him on Spotify.
ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN
The
tribute that doesn’t bite the dust
Gary Mullen & The Works channel the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen in a world-class stage show.
This electrifying two-hour production captures the heart, soul and spectacle of Queen’s legendary live performances with uncanny authenticity and high-voltage energy.
At the helm is Gary Mullen, a lifelong Queen fan whose career took flight in 2000 after he won the U.K. talent show “Stars in Their Eyes.” Performing as Freddie Mercury, Mullen captured more than 864,000 votes which is an alltime record for the show. It, of course, instantly cemented his status as one of the most compelling Mercury impersonators in the world.
Backed by his handpicked band, David Brockett on guitar, Jon Halliwell on drums and Malcolm Gentles on keyboards. Mullen leads a musical celebration that plays like a Queen greatest hits tour. The band’s tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence offer a thrilling experience for fans both new and old. Each member brings not just skill, but passion, to every performance.
More than a concert, this show is a full-scale theatrical production. Audiences are treated to a high-octane setlist enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, precision sound design, and Mullen’s commanding, Mercury-esque showmanship. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You,” the show is a time-traveling celebration of rock royalty at its peak.
Since forming his band The Works in 2002, Mullen has transformed his tribute from a one-man act to an international sensation. Today, the group performs over 150 shows per year around the globe, consistently drawing rave reviews and packed venues.
Even Queen’s own Brian May took notice. Mullen was personally invited to attend a Queen + Paul Rodgers show, where he was introduced to May backstage, an encounter that left the usually unflappable performer speechless.
Offstage, Mullen balances his rock persona with a grounded lifestyle. He keeps fit on the road with weights and yoga and enjoys time at home with his family and two dogs. His creative endeavors extend beyond Queen, too: Mullen has recorded voiceovers for television, radio and video games, and released an album of original material with longtime collaborator Barry Kelly titled “Blood, Sweat and Beers,” available on iTunes.
Ultimately, One Night of Queen is more than a tribute — it’s a heartfelt homage to one of the greatest rock bands of all time. With jaw-dropping accuracy and undeniable passion, Gary Mullen & The Works deliver an unforgettable night of music that Mercury himself would have been proud of.
Catch them May 6 at the Florida Theatre.
Words by Teresa Spencer
Photo courtesy of Gary Mullen
Khruangbin: A La Sala Tour
When I saw the flash of “Khruangbin” and "St Augustine Amphitheatre" in the same sentenceannouncing their ‘A La Sala' tour - I freaked out (solo) in the confines of my room. I would finally have the opportunity to be in the presence of one of my favorite bands. I immediately hearted the date April 16, 2025 and began the countdown to the day I would get to see the trio of my dreams in concert.
As time got closer and my excitement grew, so did my expectations, as I was granted the opportunity to photograph Khruangbin. I went through all the stages of emotions as I processed the shot at capturing the essence of a band that I’ve loved for years!
As I made my way to St. Augustine, Florida with my camera in hand and sheer anticipation oozing from my pores, I was met with a “sold out” sign that signaled the outpouring of love that Khruangbin was set to receive.
The sign didn’t deter some as many still fled to the box office to bargain for tickets.
It made my heart smile as this was a physical manifestation of their musical impact. I was ecstatic to see Khruangbin receive their flowers in the present.
The ambiance was set as soon as the lights dimmed and the first string was plucked (and I hope my photos captured the atmosphere well). From the set design to the set list, everything was perfect! And I can confidently say that the A La Sala tour has been one of my favorites thus far (and I’ve attended a lot of shows).
After the first three songs, I hung up my photographer cap to put on my No.1 fan hat and I danced (obnoxiously), I smiled hard (I thought a bracket would’ve flown off my braces), and I embraced the moment (not wanting to let a second pass.)
I felt free in that amphitheater that night and pure glee. One of the many reasons why Khraungbhin has remained one of my most treasured trios.
I will hold this night close to my heart and applaud the St. Augustine Amphitheatre team for continuing to bring acts like Khruangbin to the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.
Beaches Brunch Haus jaxbeachbrunchhaus.com
Dockside Seafood Restaurant docksideseafoodrestaurant.com
Eleven South elevensouth.com
Sandbar jaxbeachsandbar.com
SoNapa Grille sonapa.com
Arlington Rice and Noodles riceandnoodles.net
Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe taboulehjax.com
The Juicy Crab thejuicycrabjax.com
Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin sweetmamasjacksonville.com
Lauren’s Seafood, Blues & Jazz laurensseafoodbluesjazz
Downtown Bellwether bellwetherjax.com
Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com
Happy Grilled Cheese thehappygrilledchees.wixsite.com/ grilledcheese
Juliette’s Bistro marriott.com/en-us/hotels/jaxmd-marriott-jacksonville-downtown/dining
On the Fly Sandwiches & Stuff ontheflyjax.com
Northside & Airport
Palms Fish Camp palmsfishcamp.com
Joseph’s Pizza josephspizza.com
Green Papaya greenpapayaus.com
Cleo’s Sandwich Shop facebook.com/CleosSandwichshop
Murray Hill Dreamette facebook.com/Dreamette
Solazo Taqueria solazofl.com
The Flamingo flamingocoffeeroasters.com/coffeebar
Fishweir Brewing fishweirbrewing.com
Norma normarestaurant.com
Terry’s Grill terrysgrilljax.com
Mandarin Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Picasso’s jaxpicassos.wixsite.com/jaxpicassos
Wicked Barley Brewing wickedbarley.com
Blue Bamboo bluebamboojacksonville.com
Riverside and Avondale Hawkers eathawkers.com
Corner Taco facebook.com/cornertaco
The Brick thebrickofavondale.com
Carmines Pie House carminespiehouse.com
13 Gypsies 13gypsies.com
San Marco Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com
Good Dough gooddoughjax.com
Matthew’s Restaurant matthewsrestaurant.com
V Pizza vpizza.com
Happy Brew happybrew.org
Springfield Hola Mexican Restaurant holajax.com
Wafaa N Mike’s Cafe wafaaandmikescafe.com
Springfield Scoops facebook.com/SpringfieldScoopsJax
Main Street Food Park facebook.com/MainStFoodPark
Fred Cotton’s Landmark BBQ facebook.com/bestbbqintown
Southside The French Pantry thefrenchpantry.com
Red Gill Bistro redgillbistro.com
III Forks
3forks.com/jacksonville
YH Dim Sum yhdimsum.com
Canopy Road Cafe canopyroadcafe.com
Westside Gators BBQ gatorsbbq.net
The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro thesoulfoodbistro.com
Mission BBQ mission-bbq.com
Dick’s Wings dickswingsandgrill.com/san-pablo
Just Kitchen Jax justkitchenjax.com
Orange Park/Fleming Island/Middleburg Two Sisters and A Deviled Crab 2sistersjax.com
Tom and Betty’s Restaurant tomandbettys.net
Kelly’s Country Kitchen facebook.com/p/KellysCountrykitchen 4 Trees Smokehouse facebook.com/4treessmokehouseinc
Grumpy’s Restaurant .grumpysrestaurantco.com
Ponte Vedra/Vilano Valley Smoke valleysmoke.com
McFlamingo mcflamingo.com
Ponte Vedra Outdoors palmvalleyoutdoors.com
Cruisers Grill cruisersgrill.com
Barbara Jean’s barbarajeansonthewater.com
Uptown
Borillo’s Pizzeria treasurecoastpizza.com
St. Augustine Beach World Famous Oasis Restaurant & Tiki Bar worldfamousoasis.com
Beachside Diner beachsidediner.com
Crabby’s Beachside crabbysbeachside.com
Violas eatviolas.com
Chez L’Amour bitesbubblesandjazz.com
CookieBird Ice Cream Bar cookiebird.com
Cortesse’s Bistro cortesses-bistro.com
El Potro Mexican Restaurant elpotrorestaurant.com
Cap’s On The Water capsonthewater.com
Vinny’s Pizza welcometovinnys.com
Pesca Vilano pescavilano.com
Surfside Kitchen surfside.kitchen
The Reef Restaurant thereefstaugustine.com
St. Augustine
NIGHTLIFE
ARLINGTON
Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax
Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com
BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com
Bedlam bedlamlive.com
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com
Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon
Fly’s Tie Irish Pub facebook.com/flystieirishpub
Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com
Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com
Gusto gustojax.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com
Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com
Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley
Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com
Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab
Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch
Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com
Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com
Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com
Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com
Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com
Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com
Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com
Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com
Reve Brewing revebrewing.com
The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com
Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com
Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com
Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com
VooSwar Restaurant & Lounge instagram.com/vooswar
DOWNTOWN
The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Decca Live deccalive.com
Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com
Element Bistro Bar & Lounge elementjax.com
Hardwicks hardwicksbarjax.com
Intuition Aleworks intuitionaleworks.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Justice Pub facebook.com/thejusticepub
Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax
Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com
Myth Nightclub & Bar mythexperience.com
Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila
Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com
FLEMING ISLAND
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com/fleming-island
Mercury Moon facebook.com/mercury-moon
Mr. Chubby’s Wings mrchubbyswings.com
Sunset Tiki Bar the-sunset-tiki-bar.business.site
Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com
INTRACOASTAL WEST
9 Zero Pour 9zeropour.com
Brew and Barrel Tavern bbtjax.com
MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille
The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MANDARIN/JULINGTON CREEK/ FRUIT COVE
2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/iggysgrill
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysunclemandarin.com
Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MURRAY HILL
Axe Champs axechamps.com
Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com
The Boot Rack Saloon boot-rack-saloon.business.site
Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com
The Flamingo theflamingojax.com
Mustang Bar & Grill facebook.com/themustangjax
Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com
Silver Cow silvercowjax.com
Spruce sprucejax.com
The Walrus thewalrusjax.com
NORTHSIDE
Coppertop Bar and Restaurant coppertopbarandrestaurant.com
Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com
ORANGE PARK/MIDDLEBURG 57 Heaven facebook.com/57heavenop
Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com
Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com
The Daq Shack thedaqshack904.com
Dee’s Music Bar and Grill facebook.com/musicbarandgrill
The Fresh Spot Lounge thefreshspotlounge.com
LeaderBoard Arcade leaderboardarcade.com
Locals Pub localspub.co
Nakama Anime Bar nakamabar.com
Park Avenue Billiards parkavenuebilliards.com
Pinglehead Brewing Company pinglehead.com
Southern Social Whiskey Bar & Lounge southernsocialbar.com
RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE
Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com
Burlock & Barrel burlockandbarrel.com
Dart Bar & Games facebook.com/dartbarjax
Eclipse Bar & Nightclub facebook.com/eclipsebarjax
The Garage garagejax.com
The Green House thegreenhousebar.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Incahoots incahootsnightclub.com
Kanine Social Taproom kaninesocial.com
Keg & Coin kegandcoinjax.com
Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com
Lemonstreet Brewing Company lemonstreetbrewing.com
The Loft loftjax.com
Mickie’s Irish Pub facebook.com/mickiesjax
Myrtle Avenue Brewing facebook.com/myrtleavebrewing
Park Place Lounge park-place-lounge.business.site
River & Post riverandpostjax.com
Riverside Liquors riversideliquors.biz
Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1
Root Down facebook.com/rootdownjax
Shores Liquor and Bar instagram.com/shoresliquoravondale
Wildcrafters facebook.com/wildcraftersjax
SAN MARCO/ST. NICHOLAS
1937 Spirits & Eatery 1937sanmarco.com
Aardwolf Brewing Company aardwolfbrewing.com
Bar Molino barmolino.com
Breezy Jazz House breezyjazzhouse.com
Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge cubalibrebar.com
Fore Score Golf Tavern forescoregolf.com
The Grape & Grain Exchange grapeandgrainexchange.com
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
The Mudville Grill themudvillegrill.com
The Players Grille playersgrille.com
Posting House posting.house
Sidecar instagram.com/sidecarjax
Voodoo Brewing instagram.com/voodoojax
SOUTHSIDE/ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
Austin Karaoke facebook.com/austinkaraoke
Bottlenose Brewing bottlenosebrewing.com
Cataluna Jax catalunajax.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Craft Beer jaxcraftbeer.com
Medusa Restaurant and Hookah Lounge facebook.com/medusa-loungejacksonville
Rio Restaurant and Lounge instagram.com/riorestauraunt.jax
Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery 7bridgesgrille.com
Sugar Factory instagram.com/sugarfactoryjacksonville
Trio Lounge triohookahlounge.com
Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com
Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com
WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com
SPRINGFIELD
Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfieldgallery.com
The District thedistrictspr.com
Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com
Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax
Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com
Stumpy’s Hatchet House stumpyshh.com
Tulua Bistro instagram.com/tuluabistro
ST. AUGUSTINE Ancient City Brewing ancientcitybrewing.com
Arnold’s Lounge arnoldslounge.com
Beacon Listening Room beaconstaug.com
Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery sansebastianwinery.com
Dog Rose Brewing dogrosebrewing.com
Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen instagram.com/odd_birds
The Original Café Eleven originalcafe11.com
Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com
Shanghai Nobby’s nobbysfl.weebly.com
Tradewinds Lounge tradewindslounge.com
WESTSIDE
Elevation Lounge elevationjax.com
Lillian’s lillianssportsgrill.com
The Phoenix Bar & Bowling facebook.com/thephoenixjax
Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash
Jacksonville Linemen
“The linemen of JEA were doing a demonstration during the Jax Ready Fest.” Lucas Villanueva
